Nison-in, Kyoto - YouTube.com/@DreySantesson
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Nison-in Kyoto

4.4
·2k reviews·Kyoto, Japan

A tranquil Buddhist temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, famed for its breathtaking autumn foliage and serene gardens.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Autumn afternoons

Peak fall foliage colors

CrowdMedium
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Nison-in, Kyoto - YouTube.com/@DreySantesson

Nison-in Kyoto

Best Time

Autumn afternoons

Peak fall foliage colors

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil Buddhist temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, famed for its breathtaking autumn foliage and serene gardens.

4.4
(2k reviews)

"Accidently happened across this temple... so glad we did. One of my favorite temples in Kyoto."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Paths can be uneven and slippery, especially if exploring the historical graves. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.

🍁 Visit in Autumn

The temple's approach is famous for its stunning autumn leaves. It's considered the best season to visit for vibrant colors.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Autumn Foliage Path

Autumn Foliage Path

Temple Approach

A stunning tunnel of vibrant red and orange maple leaves, creating a magical, almost Ghibli-esque atmosphere.

Peaceful Temple Grounds

Peaceful Temple Grounds

Main Temple Area

Expansive and quiet gardens with historical graves, offering a serene space for reflection and exploration.

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Uphill Lookout Point

A rewarding climb offers sweeping vistas of Kyoto, especially beautiful during sunset or with autumn colors.

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Tranquility

Nison-in Temple offers a peaceful escape from Kyoto's bustling crowds. Visit during off-peak hours to fully immerse yourself in its serene gardens and historical significance. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the temple grounds and any uphill paths.

Best Time for Autumn Colors

While beautiful year-round, Nison-in Temple truly shines in autumn. The vibrant fall foliage creates a breathtaking spectacle, making it a prime destination for photographers and nature lovers seeking the quintessential Kyoto fall experience.

Best Times

When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Peak fall foliage colors
Crowd
Medium
When
Early spring mornings
Why
Tranquil atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Beat the crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hidden gems in Kyoto
@takashiifromjapan
200.7K likes • 2.9M views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Paths can be uneven and slippery, especially if exploring the historical graves. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety. Reddit

🍁 Visit in Autumn

The temple's approach is famous for its stunning autumn leaves. It's considered the best season to visit for vibrant colors. Instagram+2

The locals at Furukawa shopping street taught me how to make a knife, obanzai and ramen the Kyoto way! With almost no tourist this place is a hidden gem! 1st location: Tsuneshin 2nd location: Kyogohan Nishimura 3rd location: Gion Shirakwa Ramen - - - #japan #kyoto #japantravel #kyototravel #japantrip #japanesefood
@jesseogn
199.3K likes • 1.4M views
二尊院 📍嵐山 Nison-in Temple / Arashiyama . 昨日撮影した二尊院の紅葉 🍁✨2024,11.25 . "耳を澄ませて、時を忘れる" Listen to the silence. 見頃を迎え始めていた二尊院、とても美しい。 The autumn leaves are at their best! . #嵐山#京都#reels#旅行スポット#嵐山紅葉#京都紅葉#京都旅行#京都観光#kyoto#arashiyama#二尊院#nisonintemple#嵐山竹林 #竹林の小径 #渡月橋#そうだ京都行こう祇園祭#gionfestival#japan#japantravel #kyotojapan #kyototravel#日本#autumnleaves #紅葉#bambooforest #beautifuljapan#japan#kyotojapan
omochi_kyoto
202 likes • 2.8K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond

It's a peaceful walk from the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, offering a quieter alternative. InstagramReddit

💰 Pay at Entrance

Admission fee is required to enter the temple grounds. Be prepared with cash. Reddit

Location:Kyoto JAPAN🇯🇵 ・ Kyoto Nison-in Temple. The flowers will welcome you. ・ 京都二尊院。動画は初心者です😊昨日複数枚ポストさせて頂きましたがリールでまとめてみました。原音残しているからセミの声も聞けるかな。 ・ iPhoneにDJIジンバル装着していますがスチルと違う撮り方なのが楽しいですね😊 ・ 音楽: Remember ミュージシャン: iksonmusic
wasabitool
5.2K likes • 77K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Paths can be uneven and slippery, especially if exploring the historical graves. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety. Reddit

🍁 Visit in Autumn

The temple's approach is famous for its stunning autumn leaves. It's considered the best season to visit for vibrant colors. Instagram+2

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond

It's a peaceful walk from the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, offering a quieter alternative. InstagramReddit

💰 Pay at Entrance

Admission fee is required to enter the temple grounds. Be prepared with cash. Reddit

📸 Capture the Beauty

The temple offers many picturesque spots, especially the foliage-lined path. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Nison-in Temple is widely praised for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning beauty, especially its famous autumn foliage. Visitors appreciate the expansive grounds and the opportunity for quiet reflection, often discovering it as a delightful, less crowded alternative to more popular sites. Some note the uneven paths require careful footing, but the overall experience is highly rewarding.

"Accidently happened across this temple on the way to another one, and so glad we did. It is hands down one of my favorite temples in Kyoto. It is so peaceful with the garden and you can explore parts of the temple grounds. Easily spent an hr here and would come back again."

Mikayla S

"Very large temple grounds. We spent easy an hour plus walking around. There are vending machines after you enter the grounds as well."

James

"Beautiful temple, very quiet and peaceful & quite a few areas to explore. A bit of a walk from the bamboo forest but we had no idea about this temple, we walked by and saw it & made the spontaneous decision to go in, best decision! There was one other tourist! Pay at entrance."

Melissa Jayne

What People Like

Peaceful and quiet atmosphere
Beautiful autumn foliage
Expansive, serene grounds

What People Dislike

Uneven paths require care

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Nison-in Temple is a pleasant walk from the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, often described as a 'hidden gem' temple nearby. It's a bit of a walk, but worth it for the tranquility. InstagramReddit

Yes, Nison-in Temple is accessible by public transport. You can take a train to Saga-Arashiyama Station and then enjoy a walk to the temple. TikTok

Nison-in Temple is located in the Arashiyama district, which is a short train ride from central Kyoto. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes from Kyoto Station. TikTok

While trains are a common way to reach Arashiyama, local buses also serve the area. Check specific bus routes from your location in Kyoto for the most direct access. TikTok

Many visitors combine a visit to Nison-in Temple with other Arashiyama attractions. Walking from the Bamboo Forest is a popular and scenic option. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is an admission fee to enter Nison-in Temple. Visitors are advised to be prepared with cash for the entrance payment. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official temple website or local listings for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for Nison-in Temple. Tickets can typically be purchased upon arrival at the entrance. Reddit

Information on discounts is not widely available. It's best to inquire directly at the temple or check their official website for any potential offers. Reddit

The Japan Rail Pass covers train travel to Kyoto and within certain areas, but it does not cover admission fees for temples like Nison-in. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed in the temple grounds and gardens, but it's always good practice to be respectful and check for any specific signage indicating restricted areas. Instagram

The approach lined with autumn leaves is a prime photo spot. The serene gardens and the lookout point with city views also offer excellent photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing your photography experience. Autumn afternoons are particularly popular for the foliage. Reddit

Drone usage is typically prohibited at most temples and cultural sites in Japan to ensure the safety and tranquility of visitors and the preservation of the site. Always check local regulations. Instagram

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for capturing both wide-angle garden shots and details. A tripod might be helpful for low-light conditions, but be mindful of other visitors. Instagram

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

Most visitors spend at least an hour exploring the temple grounds and gardens. If you plan to hike to the lookout point, allow extra time. Reddit

Yes, there are vending machines available on the temple grounds. Restroom facilities are also typically available for visitors. Reddit

The main temple grounds are relatively flat, but some areas, especially the historical graves and the lookout point, involve uneven paths and inclines. Visitors with mobility issues should exercise caution. Reddit

Nison-in is known for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, offering a serene escape from the busier tourist spots in Kyoto. InstagramReddit

Official guided tours are not commonly advertised. However, you can explore the grounds at your own pace or consider hiring a private guide for a more in-depth experience. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Nison-in Temple offers a peaceful escape that can be enjoyed by families. While the main temple grounds are relatively accessible, parents should be aware that some areas, particularly the historical graves and the path to the lookout, have uneven terrain. Encourage children to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for exploring. The expansive gardens provide space for kids to wander, and the quiet atmosphere can be a nice change of pace from busier Kyoto attractions. Consider visiting during less crowded times to ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

Nison-in Temple is a great option for budget-conscious travelers as it offers a significant experience for a modest admission fee. While there are vending machines on-site for drinks, packing your own snacks and water can help save money. The temple's location in Arashiyama means you can easily combine it with other free or low-cost activities in the area, making it an efficient stop on your Kyoto itinerary. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Nison-in Temple is a dream for photographers, especially during autumn. The foliage-lined approach is iconic and offers incredible opportunities for capturing vibrant colors. The serene gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for landscape and detail shots. For unique perspectives, consider the climb to the lookout point for city views. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light and fewer crowds, allowing for more creative freedom. Instagram+2

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of Autumn at Nison-in

Nison-in Temple is particularly renowned for its spectacular autumn foliage. The approach to the temple transforms into a breathtaking tunnel of vibrant red, orange, and yellow maple leaves, creating an almost magical, tunnel-like effect. This seasonal display is a major draw for visitors, making it a prime spot for photographers and those seeking the quintessential Kyoto autumn experience. The colors are often described as being so vivid they feel like stepping into a Studio Ghibli movie. Instagram+2

While autumn is the peak season, the temple's beauty is not limited to this time. Visiting in early spring offers a different kind of tranquility, with fresh greenery and a peaceful ambiance before the summer crowds arrive. Regardless of the season, the temple grounds provide a serene environment for contemplation and enjoying nature's beauty. InstagramReddit

To fully appreciate the autumn colors, visiting during weekday afternoons is often recommended to avoid the peak weekend crowds. This allows for a more immersive experience of the vibrant foliage and the temple's peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

Exploring the Serene Grounds

Beyond its famous foliage, Nison-in Temple boasts extensive and peaceful grounds that invite exploration. Visitors can wander through well-maintained gardens, discovering various sections that offer quiet nooks for reflection. The temple is home to historical graves, including those of significant cultural interest, laid out over several levels. Reddit

For those seeking a bit more adventure, a path leads up to a lookout point offering lovely views eastward over the city of Kyoto. This climb can be a bit uneven and slippery, so wearing good shoes is advised. The panoramic vista from the top provides a different perspective of the city, especially rewarding during sunset. Reddit

Many visitors stumble upon Nison-in Temple accidentally while en route to other Arashiyama attractions, like the Bamboo Forest. They often find it to be a delightful surprise and a welcome respite from the more crowded tourist spots, making it a highly recommended 'hidden gem' for those seeking a more tranquil experience. InstagramReddit

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